Clownfish and Sea Anemone Commensalism: Clownfish, also known as anemone fish, live amongst the stinging tentacles of sea anemones. The clownfish gains protection from predators as the anemone’s tentacles deter most potential predators. In turn, the clownfish may attract other fish which become prey for the anemone, thus indirectly providing food to the anemone.
Bacteria – Gut Commensalism: Various types of bacteria reside in the digestive systems of animals. While providing vital nutrients and assisting with digestion, these bacteria benefit from a stable and protected environment within the host’s digestive tract.
Remoras – Sharks and Whales Commensalism: Remora fish attach to the bodies of sharks and whales using a specialized suction disc on top of their head. While the remora gains access to food scraps from the larger host’s meals, the host animal does not seem to be negatively affected by the presence of the remora.
Mistletoe – Trees Commensalism: Mistletoe, as a hemiparasitic plant, obtains water and nutrients from the branches of trees it grows on. While it does not substantially harm the tree, having the mistletoe growing on it can lead to some reduction in growth and fruit production.
Oxpeckers – Large Mammals Commensalism: Oxpeckers, a type of bird, are often seen perching on the backs of large mammals like elephants, rhinos, and buffalos. They feed on parasites, such as ticks and flies, found on the skin of these animals, helping the mammals stay free of excessive pests.
Spanish Moss – Trees Commensalism: Despite being called “moss”, Spanish moss is a flowering epiphytic plant that grows on the branches and trunks of trees in warm climates. It obtains nutrients from the air, rainwater, and decomposing debris accumulating on the tree, while the host tree tolerates its presence without experiencing significant negative impacts.
Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria – Leguminous Plants Commensalism: Certain bacteria that reside in the root nodules of leguminous plants, such as peas, beans, and lentils, have the ability to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use. In exchange, the bacteria gain a protected and nutrient-rich environment within the root nodules.
Lianas and Canopy Trees Commensalism: Lianas, also called climbing vines, use trees as support structures to reach the sunlight in forest canopies. While the lianas benefit from the structural support, they do not harm the trees they grow on, as they absorb water and nutrients from the soil on their own.
These examples demonstrate the diverse and widespread cases of commensalism found in the environment, where one organism benefits from the presence of another without causing harm or significant negative impact.